Sweet, savory, and slightly smoky, Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli is a takeout-style favorite you can easily make at home. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a rich bourbon-infused glaze and paired with crisp-tender broccoli for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Perfect for busy weeknights — ready in about 30 minutes!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Better-than-takeout flavor
Sweet & savory bourbon glaze
High-protein, veggie-packed
Quick and easy skillet meal
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), diced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Bourbon Sauce:
¼ cup bourbon
⅓ cup soy sauce
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
½ cup chicken broth
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For the Broccoli:
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Chicken
Toss diced chicken with salt, pepper, and cornstarch.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Broccoli
In the same skillet, add broccoli and a splash of water.
Cover and steam for 2–3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender.
Drizzle with sesame oil if using. Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Bourbon Sauce
Lower heat to medium.
Add garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds.
Stir in bourbon (careful — it may steam).
Add soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and broth.
Simmer 3–4 minutes.
Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
4️⃣ Combine Everything
Return chicken and broccoli to the skillet.
Toss well to coat in sauce.
Simmer 2–3 minutes until glossy and heated through.
🍚 Serve With
Steamed white rice
Brown rice
Fried rice
Cauliflower rice
Lo mein noodles
💡 Pro Tips
Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts.
Don’t overcook broccoli — it should stay vibrant green.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce brown sugar slightly.
For a thicker glaze, simmer a bit longer before adding chicken back in.
🔥 Alcohol-Free Option
If you prefer not to use bourbon, substitute with:
Apple juice + 1 tsp vanilla extract
Or chicken broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar
🧊 Storage
Refrigerate up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.
Freezes well for up to 2 months.
✨ Final Bite
Bourbon Chicken with Broccoli delivers bold, caramelized flavor with the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s comforting, satisfying, and sure to become part of your regular dinner rotation.